Chapter Text
Percy Jackson the first disowned child of Poseidon.
I think that’s what camp is calling me, I was already an outcast. But ever since the news had gotten around about my disownment. I stood out as that outcast rather than the kid who retrieved Zeus's lightning bolt.
Castor and Pollux never minded, they were always there, offering a hug when I needed it or a pep talk about how no one's words truly matter. Still, it hurt when Annabeth consistently looked the other way, even after we had just embarked on a quest together and shared in the glory. I guess nobody wanted the kind of glory I brought. As my birthday approached, the looming realization set in - no blue cake, no presents, and no ‘I love you’s’ from Mom.
Dionysus, my dad, entered the cabin. Surprisingly, he started showing an interest in us without any need for us to beg for his attention, a refreshing change. He allowed me to hold onto his hand or embrace him without pushing me away. Castor and Pollux were genuinely surprised the first time I ran up and hugged Dad, though they didn't join me. I supposed they considered themselves too old for such displays of affection, yet they continued to tease and joke with him. Dionysus, in his own way, often put them to work in retaliation.
"Dad!" Castor and Pollux announced. "Hey," he waved, sipping his second-favorite drink. Taking a seat on the first available bed, which happened to be mine, I childishly rested my head on his lap. Dionysus didn't say a word, merely placing a hand on my head and ruffling my hair affectionately.
Lying there with my head on Dad's lap, I couldn't help but acknowledge the childishness of my actions. It was a momentary escape. The simplicity of resting against my father's presence, like a carefree kid, provided a temporary refuge from the complexities of demigod life.
"Are you still free this week? It's your turn to choose our destination, Castor," Dionysus said. I realized it must have been some kind of trip they were planning. Gripping the blanket, it dawned on me that I wasn't invited. It was likely organized long before I arrived. I'd be alone, but I convinced myself it was okay.
"You can pick after Pollux, Percy."
"I can go?" I asked, genuinely off guard.
"You're my kid, Percy. Why wouldn't I take you on vacation?" Dionysus reassured me, dispelling any lingering doubts about being left behind.
Castor then announced, "How about France! Percy has never been."
Pollux enthusiastically shouted, "Yes, good food!" France? It seemed almost surreal that a casual trip to France was on the table. I had never ventured beyond the beach, where I used to go on vacation with my mom, and even that was just a few hours away. Sure, I had backpacked around America, but those travels were marred by hungry monsters, and there were hardly any sights to enjoy at the time. The idea of exploring a place like France was both thrilling and foreign to me.
"France it is. Be packed up and ready to leave tomorrow," was all he said before making sure to lift my head and place it back on the bed before leaving. Castor was grinning as he went to get stuff, and Pollux, of course, was happily bouncing around.
"You'll love France, Percy! Dad used to take us every year!" they both said excitedly.
"I can't wait," I replied weakly. As they packed, I realized I didn't really have much to take with me, besides a few orange t-shirts…
I tried not to think about it as I prepared for sleep, pushing thoughts of the impending trip out of my mind.
Morning came, and I put on my cleanest shirt and slung on my backpack. Castor and Pollux spoke animatedly about what they wanted to do once we got to France. Knowing little about the place, I smiled at all the right times
Dad was there waiting, and something was different about him today. He looked put together, wearing a casual suit and pants. Sipping at his drink, he seemed aged down for the occasion and surprisingly well-put-together. "You know the deal," he said. Pollux took Dionysus's hand, annoyed at having to hold it. Castor took his brother's hand, and I held onto Castor. "Don't let go, Percy," Pollux instructed, and I did as asked, still a bit confused.
We teleported in an instant, and it felt like being knocked off my feet. My body hovered for just a moment before landing on the floor. Something about it felt off, as if there was meant to be one more step to savor, but all I had was an empty bag. A chill ran up my spine, and Pollux clapped my back.
"It always feels weird the first time."
"But we didn't want to make you feel nervous, Percy," Castor agreed, holding my hand. It was better than being left overwhelmed with nervousness, I supposed. I nodded. We appeared in a swanky, upscale hotel with a crystal chandelier, and there I was in my worn-out Camp Half-Blood t-shirt.
The hotel's lavish surroundings accentuated my camp attire, making it stand out even more. The receptionist gave us a curious glance, likely wondering why one of them, dressed like he just finished a summer camp adventure, had suddenly materialized in their elegant lobby. Of course, the mist probably made it seem like we had walked in. Dad walked over to the receptionist.
"I have a reservation under Vinum."
The receptionist hesitated for a moment, eyeing our casual appearance, but then nodded and efficiently processed our check-in. As we made our way to the rooms, the plush carpet felt unfamiliar beneath my worn-out sneakers. Castor and Pollux seemed unfazed, their excitement for the trip radiating. They chatted animatedly about their plans for exploring the city, and I couldn't help but smile at their enthusiasm. Despite my initial discomfort, being with them made the foreign surroundings a bit more bearable.
Dionysus eyed me up and down, and I felt small under his gaze. I was already the smallest 10-year-old in my class.
"You three have probably outgrown your clothes," Dionysus remarked. Castor and Pollux seemed to beam at the comment.
"I'm still taller, Castor!"
"Not for long, Pollux. I have already plotted your downfall."
As we settled into the luxurious hotel, Dionysus insisted on getting us new clothes for the trip. The idea made me uneasy. I was never comfortable with others spending money on me. After all, me and my mom grew up never having much. As we strolled into a high-end boutique, my discomfort grew. Dionysus, seemingly oblivious to my unease, encouraged us to pick out whatever we liked. I felt like a missile was locked onto me.
I fidgeted with the fabric of a shirt, avoiding eye contact with anyone. "I don't really need new clothes, I'm fine with what I have," I mumbled, my words barely audible.
Castor grinned, ruffling my hair. "Come on, Percy, it's a special occasion. Let's enjoy it!"
Pollux joined in, "Dad's treating us, it's okay!"
Despite their reassurances, I couldn't shake the feeling of guilt and shyness about the money being spent on me. I tried to find something modest, not wanting to take advantage of Dionysus's generosity.
Castor and Pollux tossed their chosen clothing into a basket that was casually rolled around, paying little attention to the prices before throwing them in. Dionysus, sipping a coke, observed their carefree approach. Meanwhile, I stood there, unsure of where to go or what to do. The anxiety was overwhelming.
"Okay, Peter, come on, let's get this over with," Dad surprisingly offered his assistance. "What color do you like, kid?"
"Um, bl-" I hesitated, remembering a time when blue used to be my favorite color. "Purple, I guess."
Dad picked up a shirt, placing it against my chest, and then casually chucked it into the basket Pollux was rolling around. He added quite a lot of stuff, more clothes than I had ever owned in my entire life. Eventually, it came time to pick out shoes.
As we reached the shoe section, my eyes inadvertently fell upon a pair of Chuck Taylors, the kind I had always admired but never really needed. They were simple yet I always wanted a pair like all the other kids in class had. My gaze lingered for a moment, caught in the past. However, practicality won over desire, and I quickly averted my eyes, convincing myself that such indulgences were unnecessary.
Dionysus, ever observant, noticed my hesitation. He picked up the Chuck Taylors and, without a word, placed them in the basket among the other items. I protested, "Dad, I don't need those. It's too much."
He looked at me, a rare softness in his gaze. "Percy, you're my kid. You deserve shoes that don't have a hole in the heel." Embarrassed he noticed that.
I hesitated, torn between gratitude and my ingrained resistance to accepting gifts. Finally, I nodded, a faint smile playing on my lips, as the Chuck Taylors found their place in the overflowing basket.
As Dionysus continued to pile items into the basket, I couldn't shake the guilt gnawing at me. However, the atmosphere shifted when he reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek black Amex card. My eyes widened in surprise as he casually flashed it.
"Oh, yeah. Gods are pretty well-off, you know," he remarked, a wry smile playing on his lips.
The realization hit me. He was rich, and the guilt that had been eating at me suddenly felt misplaced. A mixture of astonishment and relief washed over me. It was a stark reminder that, in the world of gods, the rules were different.
Dionysus, sensing my change in demeanor, nudged me playfully. "Go ahead, Percy. Pick out whatever you want. We're on vacation, after all."
The guilt began to lift, replaced by a newfound understanding that, for once, I didn't need to worry about expenses.
With bags full of new clothes and shoes, we made our way back to the hotel. Surprisingly, Dionysus scooped me up effortlessly, carrying me most of the way. It felt odd being carried, but his nonchalant attitude made it strangely comfortable.
Castor and Pollux, on either side of us, were in high spirits. They started making funny faces, impersonating the various statues and artworks we passed by. Their antics drew laughter from passersby, and soon, even I couldn't help but chuckle. The carefree atmosphere began to lift my spirits, and I found myself enjoying the lighthearted banter.
Dionysus, despite his reputation, seemed to revel in their humor. He joined in, adding his own sarcastic comments and exaggerated gestures. It was an unexpected moment of bonding, the kind I rarely experienced with anyone.
As we entered the hotel.
Later that evening, as the excitement of the day waned, we found ourselves gathered around the hotel room's television. Castor, Pollux, and I nestled comfortably on the bed, the events of the day catching up to us. The TV emitted a soft glow, casting a warm ambiance across the room.
As we succumbed to the fatigue, one by one, Castor, and Pollux drifted off into a peaceful slumber. Dionysus, with unexpected tenderness, grabbed a blanket and gently covered each of us. Despite his typically aloof demeanor, the small act of care didn't go unnoticed.
“Night dad” We chimed in unison and I began to wonder what else we would do on this vacation.